Fri., Dec. 09, 2016 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM EST

LM: It's great. I'm really happy to be staying here for hopefully the rest of my career. I want to thank the Krafts and their family, coach [Bill] Belichick, and the guys upstairs. I'm glad this is done with; I am very happy. Read

Q: Were you surprised that your new contract came together so quickly after training camp started? Read

LM: I don't know. I wasn't involved. I just practice and I got the call when it was done, and that was it. I'm happy about it. Read

Q: Is it pretty much what you were hoping for and looking for in terms of the long-term years and security? Read

LM: Yeah, I'm happy with it. I'm ecstatic. This doesn't feel real yet, so I don't know how to take it yet, but I'm very happy to be here. Looking forward, I'm hoping to have a good season and hopefully I can help this team win games for the next six years if I make it that long. Read

LM: They were putting in field turf and I made a donation to my good friend out there. I wanted to help those guys out. Read

Q: I believe it says ‘The Mankins Family' on the side of the field there. What does that mean to you? Read

LM: It's down in the line [in the] corner, so that's a good spot for it. I just think they did that because I stepped up to the plate and helped them out. I was trying to show some appreciation for them. Read

Q: Are you happy that you don't have to deal with contract negotiations anymore? Read

LM: Yeah, that's one of the things. It still hasn't sunk in yet. That's what guys always hope [for] – to get to this point, and I think when you get there it takes a little while to set in, so I'm still at a little bit of a loss for words about it. But I'm sure eventually I'll have something better for you guys. Read

LM: Yeah, that's one of the things I told my wife [that] now I've got to make sure I earn it. I don't want to be one of those guys that shows up to collect his check, or one of those guys that gets hurt every year. So, hopefully I can stay healthy and give my best effort. Read

LM: I don't know. I think guys follow me already by my work ethic - how hard I work, and they see the hours that I'm here. I think that part takes care of itself. I don't know, maybe someday I'll have to speak up a little bit more. I don't know. When that time comes, we'll find out. Read

Q: Did you think there was a moment where something shifted and stuff turned? Read

LM: No, you know what, I think a lot of people take Dante for granted. In my opinion he's the best offensive line coach in the league, and I'm glad I get to play with him for a while longer. He works the dog out of us, but we're always in great shape during games, so we really appreciate his work. Read